wicketkeeper

American

[wik-it-kee-per] / ˈwɪk ɪtˌki pər /

noun

Cricket.

the player on the fielding side who stands immediately behind the wicket to stop balls that pass it.

wicketkeeper British

/ ˈwɪkɪtˌkiːpə /

noun

cricket the player on the fielding side positioned directly behind the wicket

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of wicketkeeper

First recorded in 1740–50; wicket + keeper

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

England wicketkeeper Jos Buttler found form at the Indian Premier League before winning the match for Gujarat Titans with a final-ball run-out in a remarkable one-run victory over Delhi Capitals.

From BBC • Apr. 8, 2026

Surrey's captain played Woakes to mid on, embarked upon an impossible single and failed to regain his ground after wicketkeeper Kai Smith made the most of an inaccurate throw from Ed Barnard.

From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026

As a wicketkeeper batter, Samson has had to train as hard as anyone else in the team because of the workload he carries.

From BBC • Mar. 9, 2026

The hat-trick was avoided by Phillips, who then got going with wicketkeeper Seifert in a partnership of 74 for the third wicket to thwart Afghanistan's spin-heavy attack.

From Barron's • Feb. 8, 2026

He is a grand wicketkeeper and cricket captain who has not the time for county games.

From Association Football And How To Play It by Cameron, John

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023